The County Government of Kisii has entered into a partnership with the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) to recycle plastics and other inorganic wastes in a bid to conserve the environment.
Speaking during the World Environment Day 2023 on Monday, Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Ronald Nyakweba, said the county is currently collecting and segregating wastes at the Kisii Agricultural Training Center (ATC), and the recycling process will begin next month.
Nyakweba said the collaboration will provide job opportunities for the young people who will earn income by taking part in the segregation and recycling activities.
He urged residents to work together with the county to keep the environment clean, adding that individuals caught dumping waste in non-designated areas will be prosecuted.
Kisii County Commissioner, Tom Anjere noted that businessmen and women play a critical role in the protection of the environment and encouraged them to be at the forefront in partnering with the Ministry of Environment, the county government, and other stakeholders in environmental conservation in the county.
Anjere said the county had agreed to work with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), religious leaders, and schools to address environmental issues within the community.
He encouraged the leaders at the sub-county level to plan for cleanup exercises on a monthly basis where community members would come together and collect garbage within their surroundings.
The CC urged manufacturers and distributors to donate waste bins in the community as part of their corporate social responsibility activities so that residents can segregate waste.
The event was graced by representatives from the county government of Kisii, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Rainforest Alliance Kenya, KEPRO, and the Kenya Red Cross.
The United Nations designated June 5 as World Environment Day to highlight the protection and health of the environment as it affects the well-being of people and economic development throughout the world.
By Ongwae Julius
